Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 162Dancing and Singing

Explanation of the Naccagīta Discourse (Dancing and Singing)

Background

The Naccagīta discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of ethical and disciplinary rules established by the Buddha Gotama for the Sangha, the community of nuns and bhikkhus. In the time of the Buddha, some disciples, especially those who thought they had gone forth into ascetic practice, were still drawn to worldly forms of entertainment such as dancing and singing.

This discourse reflects a period in the history of the Sangha when some bhikkhus still took part in activities of this kind. The Buddha, with wisdom and compassion, gave clear guidance on this matter. His teachings were not irrational absolute prohibitions, but instructions helping practitioners understand the purpose of renunciant life.

Main Content

According to the tradition of the Pāli Canon, the Naccagīta discourse states clearly that actions such as dancing (nacca) and singing (gīta) are not appropriate to the nature of monastic life. The Buddha did not absolutely prohibit these actions in isolation; rather, their context is the central point.

These activities are usually connected with worldly amusements, parties, and gatherings of people governed by sensual desire. When a person goes forth, they have vowed to abandon such forms of entertainment in order to focus on the noble goal: liberation from suffering (Nirvāṇa).

The rule concerning dancing and singing was included in the Pātimokkha to protect the mental concentration of the Sangha. It also helps maintain the community’s respect for renunciants. When bhikkhus take part in these activities, they risk being regarded as people who have not truly abandoned worldly life.

The discourse teaches that participating in dancing and singing can lead to unwholesome mental states: distraction (vikkheppa), intoxication with bodily pleasures (kāma-sukha), and the weakening of efforts in practice.